Potential Cure for Blindness

[Emily Henderson]

Combo of nanowires and wireless technology:

https://www.theengineer.co.uk/progre...-eye-implants/

Why it works (excerpt):

"..Two technologies are key to the system. Firstly, an array of silicon nanowires detects light and electrically stimulates retinal cells. These are bundled into a grid of electrodes whose density approaches that of the light-sensitive cells in the retina. This grid is implanted behind the retina and links up to the other key technology – a wireless device that transmits both power and data with high efficiency, using an inductive charge-transfer system that works on the same basis as wireless charging of* electronic devices or electric vehicles. The wireless signal also times the stimulation of the retinal cells. The team claims that 90% of the energy transmitted by the system is delivered to the implant and used for stimulation.."

"..Unlike other bionic visual systems, the team’s device does not need a camera outside the body, although one of the coils for the inductive system is outside the body – the other is implanted in the eye. This advance results from the dual action of the silicon nanowires.."

“..We have made rapid progress with the development of the world’s first nanoengineered retinal prosthesis as a result of the unique partnership we have developed with the team at UC San Diego,” said Scott Thorogood, CEO of Nanovision Biosciences, which he formed with Silva and William Freeman, director of the Jacobs Retina Centre at UC San Diego, to commercialise the technology.
Further animal trials of the device are now progressing, with clinical trials on humans planned to follow.."

The rats they tested it on showed cell activity, which is amazing.

One thing to note--why will we have to wait so long to try this on humans? If you are already blind, and willing--this is one of the things Trump promised re medicine and bureaucratic red tape, that we'd be able to advance things of value a lot faster.
Not saying they should put people at risk with just anything, but this kind of thing really doesn't.

[Emily Henderson]

Wow-curious who found fault with a potential cure fer blindness.

'Man' up and 'splain.